Any updates on Isentress?

I'm wondering, what are good medication options for treatment-naive patients? I know Atripla (efavirenz/tenofovir/FTC) is good first-line therapy, but what about Isentress?

-Bartleby

Response from Dr. McGowan

HI Bartleby,

In the US, the FDA just approved Isentress for use as a first line therapy (July 8, 2009). This was based on study that showed it was just as good as another potent first line treatment (truvada + Sustiva, which are the medicines inside Atripla). Isentress is currently recommended to be taken twice a day, which is different from Atripla which is once a day. The Isentress had less central nervous system side effects than the Sustiva. It looks like a good option for the right candidate.

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